Sweet Potato Pattie

Last Thanksgiving, I went to my fiance’s (then boyfriend’s) house for dinner. His entire family eats meat so I felt left out being the only vegetarian. However, his sweet mom (and my soon-to-be mother in law) whipped up these delicious sweet potato patties and everyone at the table wanted some, even moreso than the turkey! These vibrant patties are sure to be a hit at any family dinner.
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Ingredients: Makes approximately 8 patties.

4 sweet potatoes
⅓ cup finely chopped white onion
1 tbsp. finely grated ginger
1 tbsp. finely chopped garlic
⅓ cup finely chopped cilantro
1 tsp. finely chopped fresh green pepper
2 tbsp. gram flour (chana besan)
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. cumin seeds
½ tsp. garam masala
½ tsp. ground coriander
1/8 tsp. ground red pepper
½ lime
oil, as needed
bread crumbs, as needed (approximately 2 tbsp.) (optional)

Assembly:

Put sweet potatoes in pot and fill with water.
Put pot on stove on high heat and cover.
Boil for approximately 30 minutes. (You can test whether the potatoes are ready by using a knife to slice through the potato. If the knife goes through easily, they are done. The skin may also peel off; that’s ok.)
Pour out hot water.
Fill pot with cold water. (If you can’t touch the potatoes, let rest for a few minutes.)
Peel potatoes with your hands and put in a large bowl.
Mash potatoes with a fork.
Add remaining ingredients (hold bread crumbs and oil) and mix well.
Lightly brush a saucepan with oil and put on medium heat.
Using your hands, make a patty shape from the potato mixture. (The mixture is gooey and this is messy!) Optional: add bread crumbs. Bread crumbs make the patties crispier.
Place on skillet (if you added bread crumbs, the bread crumbs side should be face down). You can place four on the skillet at a time. (Be sure not to touch the oil on the pan when placing the patty down.) Optional: add bread crumbs to side facing up.

Cook for about 4 minutes, or until brown, then flip.
Brush the top of each patty with oil.
Using the spatula, press on the patties to make them thinner.
Cook for about 4 more minutes, or until brown.
Flip a few more times until the patties feel crisp and firm.

Serving suggestions:

Serve with coconut mint chutney.

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